Wax buid up around vinyl lettering

[Supergus1]

My truck has individual vinyl letters on it and I'm starting to get wax build up around the edges of the lettering. I was thinking of a soft toothbrush but is there something better? I thought of a boar's hair brush of some sort but I'm not sure it would be stiff enough to remove the old wax. I'd really appreciate any suggestions.

[HUMP DIESEL]

Wooden toothpick.

HUMP

[Dr_Pain]

DO NOT use a soft toothbrush!!! Use a APC or IPA mix and agitate with a boar's hair brush (gently) and remove with a MF towel, and repeat the process. Be gentle and let the product do its work to dissolve the wax. CarPro sells detailing sticks that may help do a little gentle "scrubbing", but don't scar your vinyl with vigorous scrubbing

[Dr Oldz]

I agree with a good APC and a board hair brush. Even a soft toothbrush can create some pretty deep scratches.

[FUNX650]

Wax removers do a good job. Here's one that I like:
Griot's Garage Dried-On Wax Remover, remove dried wax, Griots Garage Wax Remover (http://www.autogeek.net/griots-garage-wax-remover.html)

I try to "dress" vinyl and rubber before using Waxes:
Pretty much puts a stop to the Wax build-up syndrome.

Bob

[Dr_Pain]

Wax removers do a good job. Here's one that I like:
Griot's Garage Dried-On Wax Remover, remove dried wax, Griots Garage Wax Remover (http://www.autogeek.net/griots-garage-wax-remover.html)

I try to "dress" vinyl and rubber before using Waxes:
Pretty much puts a stop to the Wax build-up syndrome.

Bob

Could not agree more :) An ounce of prevention = a pound of cure

[Supergus1]

I can't really dress the vinyl lettering (as far as I know). It would take a heck of a long time to do so:
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh272/supergus1/100_2503_zpsd2c5d4db.jpg (http://s258.photobucket.com/user/supergus1/media/100_2503_zpsd2c5d4db.jpg.html)
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh272/supergus1/100_2502_zps9e6d0028.jpg (http://s258.photobucket.com/user/supergus1/media/100_2502_zps9e6d0028.jpg.html)
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh272/supergus1/100_2504_zpscc375150.jpg (http://s258.photobucket.com/user/supergus1/media/100_2504_zpscc375150.jpg.html)

I guess what I'm asking is: if this was a customer's vehicle how would you approach this job?

[Kamakaz1961]

Try Q-Tips. I use them all the time. They are great at removing wax on the edges as well as the emblems or badges of your car. The cotton is soft enough to not scratch your paint. There is also enough cushion (or cotton) to spread a remove the specific area that you want to get rid of on wax build up.

It must be Q-Tips Brand. The cheaper cotton tips do not have enough cotton on the tips to be effective.

[allenk4]

Get it really clean and then change over to a coating, so you don't have to mess with it

If you like to play with waxes...i would apply a coating to the panels with graphics and wax the rest of the truck

[Supergus1]

Get it really clean and then change over to a coating, so you don't have to mess with it

If you like to play with waxes...i would apply a coating to the panels with graphics and wax the rest of the truck
Actually the only panel that doesn't have graphics is the tailgate! I've considered a coating but I'm not confident enough in my abilities to get the paint perfect before coating.

[The Guz]

You could also use mothers heavy duty trim cleaner and a soft microfiber.

[allenk4]

Do not waste your money on Duragloss Wax Eraser

I don't think AGO even carries it anymore

[BillE]

I've found using a "pad conditioner" with Q-Tips works well.

Bill

[Supergus1]

I've found using a "pad conditioner" with Q-Tips works well.

Bill
I'm liking that idea. I'll order some Wolfgang or XMT. Anyone know if there is an OTC pad conditioner out there anywhere?

[Kamakaz1961]

I'm liking that idea. I'll order some Wolfgang or XMT. Anyone know if there is an OTC pad conditioner out there anywhere?

Q-Tips as I said are a great way to go. As for product....some might say this is BLASPHEMOUS!! But if Pad conditioner does not work or any other car product....try dipping the Q-Tips in dishwashing soap and water. That will remove dirt and grime and remove the wax build up. You might want to try it with very warm water too.

Some on this thread will say BLASHPEMY or what an idiot I am. That being said....try that if all else fails. Since you are trying to remove wax build up on the edges you are doing no harm to removing your wax on the area that you do not want to remove.

That is my 2 cents worth and I have done it and it works wonders. Most of the time, a Q-Tip all by it self is sufficient enough to remove wax build-up.